September 2, 2015 9:46pm EDTSeptember 2, 2015 9:46pm EDTTennis, NewsNick Kyrgios is running out of allies but Shane Warne has attempted to get the controversial youngster back onside with the sporting world.Controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios(Getty Images)

Sacha Pisani

Published on Sep. 2, 2015

Sep. 2, 2015

Cricket legend Shane Warne has penned an open letter to embattled Australian Nick Kyrgios, urging the tennis youngster not to waste his talent.

Regarded as the nation's great white hope after bursting onto the scene with a quarter-final appearance at Wimbledon last year, Kyrgios has since divided opinion due to his controversial behaviour, namely his on-court sledge of Stan Wawrinka at the Rogers Cup in Montreal last month.

The ATP handed Kyrgios $35,000 worth of fines for his "banged your girlfriend" remark directed at Wawrinka, and any further indiscretions will result in a 28-day ban from tour events.

World number one Novak Djokovic and 14-time grand slam winner Rafael Nadal were quick to condemn the 20-year-old's actions, while American legend John McEnroe labelled Kyrgios as a "bonehead" during Tuesday's first-round loss to Andy Murray at the US Open.

And Australian icon Warne has had his say via Facebook on Thursday, demanding Kyrgios shape up.

"We all realise you're only 20 & have a lot to learn buddy. But please don't waste your talent, everyone in the world, especially us Australians want to respect u," Warne wrote.

"Remember respect is way more important than being liked, u need to respect the game of tennis & yourself. We all make mistakes, but it's how we learn from them & the way we conduct ourselves when we lose that shows true character.

"You're testing our patience mate, show us what you're made of & how hungry you are to be the best in the world, it's time to step up & start winning, no excuses. No shame in losing, but show us you will never give up, that you will give it everything to be the best you can be, respect is earned not given!

"I believe in you & know you can do it, but now's the time my friend..."